Melanoma in Situ removal appointment - not sure whether to wait longer or chase it up. Any advice?

Hello. I was diagnosed with Melanoma in Situ on my foot at the end of June and was told I would need more skin removed to ensure everything has been removed. When I asked how long the wait for the appointment may be I was vaguely told around four weeks. I asked if it was possible to place an appointment on hold for at least 5 weeks as I had travelling planned and my consultant agreed waiting 5 weeks would likely cause no harm. I am now 8 weeks from that appointment and have heard nothing. Now, I understand I have caused a delay, but I am wondering if I have a leg to stand on in regarding chasing the appointment up or if I should have a bit more patience. I naively hoped the appointment may be scheduled for just after that 5 week period. I understand the NHS doesn't operate on my schedule so I emphasise the word "hoped". I do wonder if they have waited for the 5 week point before putting in the referral. I understand that sometimes you really need to advocate for yourself but I also don't want to do it in a completely unreasonable way when I was the cause in the initial delay. I'm just looking for some advice on what to do next. Wait longer or chase it up. 

Parents
  • Hi. I think you're absolutely right. Sometimes we do need to advocate for ourselves. I guess the thing that matters is the way in which it is done. In my experience, a polite enquiry appreciative of how busy they are usually goes a long way. Why not give it a try? You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Best of luck!

  • Thanks for replying. I like the way you've worded "a polite enquiry appreciative of how busy they are". That is the vibe I'll be aiming for. I'm going to give it to the end of the work week and then start enquiring. I'll update with the reply so others can reference for their own experience. 

Reply
  • Thanks for replying. I like the way you've worded "a polite enquiry appreciative of how busy they are". That is the vibe I'll be aiming for. I'm going to give it to the end of the work week and then start enquiring. I'll update with the reply so others can reference for their own experience. 

Children